Lexus unveiled a teaser yesterday for the upcoming next-generation Lexus ES, referring to it as a “global flagship model”—a term that raised some eyebrows. Naturally, this led to speculation about the future of the brand’s long-standing full-size luxury sedan, the Lexus LS. Could Lexus be planning to phase out the LS?

To clear up the confusion, we reached out to the company. According to representatives from both Lexus Europe and Lexus North America, the LS is not going anywhere.
The fifth-generation Lexus LS has been in production since 2017, and while it’s starting to show its age, it still holds a place in Lexus' global lineup. Sales have declined over time, leading Lexus to withdraw the model from the UK market after 35 years. Only three units were sold there in 2024, with a total of just 39 units sold since 2020. Strict regulations and homologation issues also contributed to its exit from the UK.

Despite this, the LS remains available in other European markets and worldwide. In the United States, Lexus sold 2,163 LS sedans in 2024—not a leading number, but competitive within the segment. For comparison:
Audi A8: 1,628 units
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 8,809 units
BMW 7 Series: 10,714 units

Internal Competition: Lexus LM Challenges the LS

The LS isn’t just contending with rival luxury sedans—it’s also facing competition from within the Lexus family. The Lexus LM, a premium minivan based on the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, is quietly taking a bite out of the LS’s market share. Although primarily targeted at the Chinese market, the LM is also available in Japan, Australia, India, and several European countries.
What’s Next for the LS?

Rumors from Japan suggest the Lexus LS could evolve into a new kind of vehicle—possibly something resembling the Century SUV. But with Lexus and Toyota already boasting a strong SUV lineup, one can’t help but wonder: does the market still value the classic luxury sedan silhouette?

For now, one thing is clear—the LS sedan is staying. Whether it continues in its current form or transforms into something entirely new, the Lexus LS nameplate remains a key part of the brand’s future.